The demand for Windsor-made Chrysler Pacifica hybrids is growing as the world’s first driverless ride-hailing company prepares to expand its service using the high-end minivans.

The collaboration between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Waymo — a U.S.-based, self-driving technology company that has been testing cars on public roads since October 2015 — is a first of its kind, according to FCA officials.

“In order to move quickly and efficiently in autonomy, it is essential to partner with like-minded technology leaders,” said Sergio Marchionne, FCA’s chief executive officer. “Our partnership with Waymo continues to grow and strengthen (and) this represents the latest sign of our commitment to this technology.”

Waymo Chrysler Pacifica.Waymo /
Windsor Star

Engineers from Waymo and FCA worked together to design the self-driving vehicle that is being built on a mass production platform.

FCA will supply thousands of hybrid Pacificas to Waymo.

“It’s great news for the plant in Windsor,” said spokesperson Dianna Gutierrez.

“Already they have 600 minivans in their possession … FCA delivered 100 in the second half of 2016 and then an additional 500 in 2017,” said Gutierrez, who wouldn’t say specifically how many minivans will be needed.

“Right now, all we’re saying is that we are going to be able to supply thousands to them,” Gutierrez said. “And the reason why we’re not giving out the number is because it’s really dependent on their strategy and their business plan. It’s dependent on their needs.”

Waymo, which is owned by Google parent Alphabet, is set to open its autonomous ride-hailing service — a robotic-like taxi service with no driver behind the wheel — to the public this year in Phoenix, Ariz.

Waymo Chrysler Pacifica.Waymo /
Windsor Star

The company has built on the software and sensor technology developed in Google’s labs, beginning in 2009.

Testing has been carried out in 25 cities across the United States, including Atlanta, San Francisco, Detroit and Phoenix. And last November, Waymo began test-driving a fleet of hybrid Chrysler Pacificas on public roads without a driver at the wheel.

The technical milestone meant the minivans became the first vehicle to attain Level 4 autonomy, a classification determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers.

“With the world’s first fleet of fully self-driving vehicles on the road, we’ve moved from research and development, to operations and deployment,” said Waymo CEO John Krafcik.

Krafcik said the Pacifica works well because it offers a versatile interior and a comfortable ride experience for passengers while its electrical, powertrain, chassis and structural systems can accommodate Waymo’s self-driving system’s hardware.

Gutierrez said the hybrid nature of the vehicle — it can run on gas and electric power — is as important as its roomy interior and higher-level finishes.

“It’s really an ideal vehicle partly because of its hybrid technology but as well as the interior refinements that go along with the Chrysler Pacifica,” she said. “Obviously the ease of entry and exit in and out of the vehicle builds upon the comfort of this vehicle. And the ability to carry several passengers.”

The self-driving Pacifica has noticeable exterior modifications including housings for sensors and other driving technology.

Inside, screens mounted to the back of the two front seats allow passengers to see the path the vehicle is taking.

Asked about the financial impact for FCA of the collaboration with Waymo, Gutierrez said, “That’s something that we wouldn’t comment on.”

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